Foreign Minister addresses U.N. Assembly

Last week Prime Minister Said Musa addressed the United Nations and today it was Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Godfrey Smith’s turn. Smith spoke about the need for the nations of the world to really commit themselves to poverty alleviation as there can be no true security when people live in fear of starvation and deprivation. He also highlighted Belize’s commitment to resolve the Guatemala claim and expressed support for the Palestinian people and Taiwan’s bid for a place at the U.N.

Godfrey Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs
“As part of our national security strategy, we remain committed to fostering a culture of peace and peaceful resolution of conflicts. In the Middle East, we are encouraged by the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. We join others in calling upon the Government of Israel to continue the withdrawal from all Palestinian territories. We look forward to the implementation of its commitments in accordance with the Road Map that will lead to the realization of two independent states, Palestine and Israel, co-existing side by side in peace and security. The twenty-three million people on Taiwan also deserve to live in peace and security. We therefore continue to urge the United Nations to take up the plea of Taiwan to participate in this world body. Taiwan has earned its place among the community of nations.

Belize continues to be plagued by an anachronistic claim to its territory from our neighbour Guatemala. But encouragingly, earlier this month Belize and Guatemala singed a new agreement under the auspices of the Organization of American States. Under this agreement, if we are unable to resolve the dispute through negotiation, the Secretary-General of the Organization of American States can recommend that we submit our differences to an international juridical body. We therefore hope that we can ensure the early and final resolution of this dispute so that we can cooperate more effectively to combat our common problems of poverty and underdevelopment.”

Smith’s speech will be aired in its entirety immediately following tonight’s newscast. The full text can be found at government’s website at www.belize.gov.bz.